Grant Niesner’s family needs support in time of grief

My dear, sweet, loving husband went to take a short nap, and on the 21st of June, when our son and I wondered at his long time away, discovered Grant had left us in his sleep.

We worked frantically for at least forty five minutes, me, EMT’s, giving CPR. Suddenly and shockingly, he was gone. We move through all the tasks associated with this tragedy. The immensity of this loss, there are no words. A couple of days before his passing, he looked at me intently, and grew serious and said, “Let’s live our lives for each other from now on.” I agreed.

His heart was large. For over fourteen years he worked to support me in caring for my mom. Carrying her in his arms back to her bed each night like a baby.

Then came the terrible car wreck in 2010 after falling asleep at the wheel. Helicoptered to Orlando after being cut out with the jaws of life. While there, he almost passed three different times. With a new titanium rod in his leg and months of recuperation, he was back with us and working harder than ever. And let me not forget to say, describing Grant as a hard worker is an understatement.

His love for animals knew no bounds. My good friend and I surprised him with a visit from a juvenile tiger brought from a nearby rescue that he walked on a leash and pet. We later at the rescue held baby tigers. Their claws were so sharp he didn’t notice his hands were bleeding and didn’t care. His eyes sparkled, and he kept whispering. “Thank you, thank you, sweetie. It’s a dream come true.” Never turned a blind eye to a stray kitten, either. We have five now.

Deciding to adopt, we lost several children, but finally found our way to our son Nickolas in Russia. Grant was a great impressionist. Our son squealed with joy as he acted out the parts of the Three Billy Goats Gruff and the troll with insane voices. He kept my sister-in-law laughing in tears for a good twenty minutes while, in Robin Williams fashion, did a free association stint as the Crocodile Hunter. Told by a professional, he should go into the business. But oddly, he was shy about it.

He loved his mother, his father, and his sister so much. You see, Grant was adopted, like our son.

Always loyal to a fault, never ever wanting to believe the worst of anyone, he would try to understand their bad behaviors, saying they surely didn’t mean to act thoughtlessly. He forgave. After I was approached by a top Oscar winning creative, to work for free on one of his projects (my husband had worked years with this man), I told him thank you, but I couldn’t work without pay. We met up with this creative head at a big Matrix movie party. Grant was happily introducing me to him, when suddenly this man looked me in the eye and said, “Of course you are.”, spun on his heel and walked away. Grant didn't realize he had gone and continued to introduce me. It would have been funny if it weren't so sad. “Grant,” I said, “he’s gone.” Grant was shocked and stood there saying “There must be a mistake.” For the rest of the night, my husband looked sad. Several days later, the Matrix art head called me, and apologized profusely to me several times for his treatment of both of us. Grant had gone to him the next day at work and gave him a dressing down of sorts, and told him he would accept nothing less than full apologies to me.

My husband was loyal. Even loyal to a fault. Of course, there was his career, so much, too much to repeat here, but it is all online, when you search the Google machine. It was a dream come true, his body of film, commercial, and game work. The Matrix was one of his favorites.

He never bragged, but attracted some of the best in the business, who sought him out for his much needed talent and help. When I would brag and tell someone what he had accomplished, he would stop me and say, “Oh Debbie, many people worked on that, not me alone.” But I know and believe why the Matrix head came and apologized. He knew with my husband, his success depended… along with many others.

I could write books on his loving ways, kind acts, care of the weak, talents in the arts. Our family is facing financial hardship. Probate, and more. We pray we make it through. But, I would give anything and everything, just to have this beautiful soul by my side again. He was dearly loved and cherished by me and many more, and gave love back in equal measure. His work still brings thrills to those in the world. My blessing, my star, my example and teacher of what a bright, gracious soul is.

All support is welcome and appreciated more than you know. Thank you with all of our hearts. Many blessings wished for everyone.

Warmly,

Deborah and Nick Niesner